3D Printing

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of making a three-dimensional object from a 3D model or other electronic data source. Primarily through additive processes, successive layers of material (liquid, powder, paper or sheet material) are applied under computer control using a 3D printer (a type of industrial robot). 3D printable models can be created with a computer-aided design package or a 3D scanner. Industrial applications for 3D printers include rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing, mass customization and mass production.